Heather Rice
philadelphia
08/13/2009
Want to fill you all in on my great week for those who have been following! So, on week 3 on the Low-Car Diet blog I was feeling so great about what this experience had done for me... I started noticing how I had transformed into someone who was making more conscious decisions all the way from planning my days/routes, to multi-tasking, to being a more helpful person to others while I was out and about, and not to mention that I was feeling great and confident in my own skin. So much, that I realized that owning a car wherever I was in the world was actually a lot less practical than I had ever realized! This awakening sprouted thoughts and intentions to finally free myself of my car -- yeah!!!!!!
08/12/2009
Well Week 4 Woo Hoo!!!!!! : So, I was sweaty, I was sore, sometimes a bit tired and definitely challenged. But, I made it and I loooooved it! As I reflect back on my Low-Car Diet I can definitely tell that it all happened for a reason. Giving up my car keys for one month has enlightened my life and hopefully those lives of the people that surround me. If anyone out there has ever doubted society or doubted being able to live within society without a car, next year, this should be you typing. Not having wheels whether I was in Philly or all the way on the west coast completely enriched all of my experiences! By foot, bike, train, or bus every foot of the way my eyes, ears, mind, and heart was opened to something new. I got to take in sights that I normally pass by everyday, I made new friends on public transportation, I had the time to help others on the street/bus/train with bags or whatever and they did the same, I got up every morning feeling good about my car-less travels the day before that would help mother earth, I feel better in my own skin from all the man-powered travel, and the list goes on and on and on.
I mean just think about it... If we could continue to go car-less one by one by inspiring each other, think of all that we have the power to change: the air would be cleaner for our lungs, those of our children, and all the other beings on earth, obesity rates would drop, we would have less stress because you wouldn't be stuck in traffic or you would bike it or walk it off by the time you got home. Yes, you wouldn't have a car parked in your driveway, but you could still "own" (I really mean share) one that sits in front of your house or a few blocks away with just a click of your mouse! Ahhhhh...
Oh, and as far as selling my car?! After some careful thought, what would selling it do, but put another driver behind the wheel... I am actively looking into donating my car to a charity who will use it for carpooling or some other "green practice."
Zipcar, all I have to say in thank you! Thank you for inspiring, supporting, and providing to make our lives and the world a better place. I now embody the car-less bug and I look forward to spreading it joyfully!!!
07/29/2009
Week 2: Decided to read new book "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight" by Thom Hartman. What a great read and man, a total eye opener. Not only, was I more inspired to be on a Low-Car Diet, but I decided to add a personal mini challenge: do not use anything that relies on fossil fuels for transportation.
About 40 miles later, my feet are a bit tired. But, walking definately allows you to see the sites all around in a way you never can while driving or biking. Not to mention now the air is cleaner (the earth is smiling), my legs feel more tone and I feel lighter... Now time to slip into that new little black dress! :)
07/20/2009
So... it has been week one of my Low-Car Diet!!!! First of all I have to say that I had no idea what it was going to be like... but thank god for my two legs, bikes, and Zipcar!!! First of all... leaving the Kick-off rally and getting our awesome goody bags (thanks Zipcar), I already knew I was gonna save some dough this week and couldn't resist stopping to do a bit of shopping on the way home for an upcoming trip -- yea!!!! So, I stopped at Macy's, a couple shoe stores, and by City Sports for some outdoor gear. Got everyhting I needed, but was so excited to be shopping sort of forgot I was doing it all by bike. But, the goody bag that sparked the idea came to save my day as it then also doubled as a backpack to get all my new threads home!
Then, the next day it was off to the airport to catch a plane to Portland, OR! Had arranged for a cab to pick me up in the early morning, but decided to keep the low-car diet as low-car as possible and take the train and the bus to the airport. Definately not as convenient as having someone come get you and load your bags, but better for the soul knowing I was helping the Clean Air Council to hopefully one day reach it's goal :) One long trip later (we all know how air travel goes these days... arrrgh). One delayed flight and a bumped flight later I get to Portland and hop on their light rail MAX system with my 2 bags of heavy luggage and a carry-on. Nice and smooth transition until I get to down town and try to catch the bus to my destination. Not gonna happen at busy lunch rush with all my bags! So, Portland isn't like the east coast with cabs, subways, etc. By this time, luggage is getting pretty heavy and it's pretty hot and I'm really wishing I could hop in a cab or had a car and just be doen with this. Then, the coolest means of transportation I have seen in awhile rounds the corner!! PDX Pedicab. Yes, a bike cab... woo hoo! So, I hop on and am on my way. So awesome and the biker/driver was totally cool and nice. Finally, I get to my destination and give him a big tip and the Pita Pit Gift Card we got in our gift bags so he could grab a free lunch for all his hard work in helping people and the planet!!! After that I put my bags down where I was staying, kicked my feet up, and smiled. I truly have to say that I am glad I made it from my house in Philadelphia- Portland, OR completely car free!
The next day I wake up and man am I sore from all the travel and carrying bags. What better way to stretch it all out, I think to myself, than with a yoga class! So, I look for a yoga class that I can get to later and check the bus schedule and grab my friends bike to get there. As I leave I decide to walk a bit with my bike since where I am staying is on top of a big hill with a pretty narrow windy road to bike down with not much of shoulder. On my way down someone stops me and asks for the time. I happily tell them and they give me the weirdest look. At first I don't think anything of it and keep walking. Then, I couldn't get his look out of my head. Why would he look at me so weird???? So, then I ask someone for the time and I know why. I totally did my EST-PST conversion in my head wrong!!!!! Oh no, I say in my head, all I want to do is get to a yoga class so I can feel normal in my body again and now I am stressed that that isn't gonna happen. What can I do to get there asap I think to myself????? So I hop on my bike and brave the rest of the hill to try to get the bus sooner. Then, as I round the corner and come to a stop light I see a library. For some reason as soon as I see the library, Zipcar pops into my head -- what?! I have no idea how that association came into my head, but it was calling me. Oh the internet, oh and my Zipcar credit!!!!! Trying to make it to this class, I immediately park my bike and register for their free internet and see if there is a Zipcar near by. Lo and behold there is one not too far away. I make the reservation, pick up the car, and thank god make it to class! Ahhhhhhhhhh...